Dave Pelz's Shortgame Bible came promptly and I've enjoyed and applied some of his suggestions to my golf game. Good book!

A well written approach to the game that has the greatest effect in lowering your score.

"Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible" is most likely the best book I've read on golf. In the beginning of the book, Pelz demonstrates, through the use of his extensive data on both tour players and amateurs, just how important it is to be proficient from 100 yards and in. Many golfers think they can just read a book, then go on the course and be successful. This is never true.
If you want to become a better short game player, you are going to need to hit thousands of practice shots, and you are going to have to learn how to hone your distance control with your wedges and the various length of your swing.. (7:30 swing, 9:00 swing, and 10:30 swing)

All in all, I highly recommend this book.

If you're the type that can learn from a book and want to know all the technical aspects of the short game - this is the book for you. Very detailed and very technical but you will learn a lot from it. This is a "must have" book, along with 'Dave Pelz's Putting Bible' and Leadbetter's 'The Swing'.

Bought this book in 2000 just after it came out and immediately read the first 100 pages (it's 400 pages long). Just understanding the concepts of the physics behind his instruction was eye-opening for me (I loved the statistics and explanations). He applies the numbers to real-life results (ie: the pros with the best short game earn the most money consistently year after year). Once I understood the basic concept that distance control was the key and then read about the basic techniques, my index tumbled from a 12.4 to 8.1 in just two months and as low as 4.6 by the end of summer! This in spite of hitting an average of only 5-6 greens in regulation per round.
One nice thing about this book is you don't have to read or understand all the statistics or physics in order for it to make a profound impact on your game. You can use it as a reference for a lot of specialty shots once you get the basic finesse swing down. (I use the technique with most of my irons all the way up to my 5-iron thus extending my distance control game out to about 150 yards).
Definitely a must read if you are serious about improving your golf game.

I am the author of Striking It Rich: Golf in the Kingdom with Generals, Patients and Pros

If this book was the 5-star standard, there wouldn't be too many other 5-star books. In other words, its in a class by itself. Production quality, instruction, information, etc is as good as it gets. A tremendous value for your golfing expenditures. Pelz has contributed significantly to our game with the publication of this book.
With that said, allow me to point out a few things that couldn't be right...
1. Pros having a pei of 18% on their wedges and 8% on their full shots. That implies that they get a 200 yard shot closer than a 100 yard one.
2. Also getting your short game handicap by the method near the end of the book is inconsistant (ie self contradictory). (and contradictory to a pei of 18% for these wedge shots as well)

I also don't agree with the method of guaging distances in the book but that is not necessarily an error- just my opinion.

But all things considered, the best book of its kind by far.

Don't ask questions. Just get it, believe it, learn it, and use it. You will benefit.

I am a new golfer and just finished reading this book. I have been practicing 4-5 times a week at the range. I began using his techniques for Wedge play, and have seen marked improvement in my game since. I actually now have the four wedges he recommends. It is amazing how accurate I am becoming at picking the right wedge and correct swing for the distance. I am not perfect, but it is more fun to practice with my wedges than any other club. I get excited to see the improvement weekly. The wedges rule for me!! I still struggle with putting, so I bought his book on putting, and that is also excellent reading!!

This book is written by a scientist golfer. I am one third of the way through it and it has already helped my game. In fact a lot of the instructions in the book are applicable to the whole game.

It is a little repetitive, but that doesn't hurt at all.
I am going to buy Peltz's other book as soon as I finish this.
Excellent book on golf.

Put the "finesse" in your finesse swing and learn how to use it to improve your distance. The diagrams and practice drills will show you how to perfect your golf swing.

When I started to play golf again, after a lay-off of many years, I picked up "Putt Like the Pros", so when I ordered this book, I knew Dave Pelz's style.
His no nonesense, clear - albeit a bit technical at times, description of how to use the finesse swing to improve your distance wedge, pitch, chip and sand shots, makes sense to my engineering trained mind. Most of the illustrations, except 16 pages in the centre, are in B&W, and are not of the quality we are used to in the big name golf magazines. On the other hand, the diagrams and sketches are first rate.
All in all, I have found the Short Game Bible easy to read and very informative. I look forward to getting out in the backyard or on the practice range, when the weather gets better, to practice the many drills Dave Pelz provides in this excellent book on a much neglected aspect of this great game.

When I started to play golf again, after a lay-off of many years, I picked up "Putt Like the Pros", so when I ordered this book, I knew Dave Pelz's style.
His no nonesense, clear - albeit a bit technical at times, description of how to use the finesse swing to improve your distance wedge, pitch, chip and sand shots, makes sense to my engineering trained mind. Most of the illustrations, except 16 pages in the centre, are in B&W, and are not of the quality we are used to in the big name golf magazines. On the other hand, the diagrams and sketches are first rate.
All in all, I have found the Short Game Bible easy to read and very informative. I look forward to getting out in the backyard or on the practice range, when the weather gets better, to practice the many drills Dave Pelz provides in this excellent book on a much neglected aspect of this great game.

Book is great, but it's January and I won't be able to try out what I've learned. I'm taking this time to master the finesse swing indoors w/ the drills and photos. So far it seems easy enough to learn, even for someone w/ ingrained swing habits.

Book is great, but it's January and I won't be able to try out what I've learned. I'm taking this time to master the finesse swing indoors w/ the drills and photos. So far it seems easy enough to learn, even for someone w/ ingrained swing habits.

How can this book possibly be rated as highly as it is? I just don't get it. The important information could have been presented in about 5 pages instead of the 425 that it took. I found myself TRYING to stay awake and pay attention, but was soon quickly flipping through the book to find anything of real substance. The review below this one has the real point that dave is trying to make... use 4 wedges and learn how far you can hit each one using 3 different backswing lengths. There you have it.

How can this book possibly be rated as highly as it is? I just don't get it. The important information could have been presented in about 5 pages instead of the 425 that it took. I found myself TRYING to stay awake and pay attention, but was soon quickly flipping through the book to find anything of real substance. The review below this one has the real point that dave is trying to make... use 4 wedges and learn how far you can hit each one using 3 different backswing lengths. There you have it.

Although perhaps overly wordy at times, this book contains genuine gold nuggets of advice on the short game. For a longtime player with a high handicap, David's Pelz's book provides text, photos and drawings that provide the best analysis of how to improve the short game that I've yet seen. Between "nuggets" a bit long, but keep at it, you will be glad you perservered.

Normally, 5-star reviews on Amazon are worthless and written by people who don't read with a critical eye. This, I hope, is an exception to that rule.

I bought this book when I was first starting to learn how to play golf, in 2003. I was immediately captivated by the methodical, well-laid-out approach Mr. Pelz set forth. He not only explains how to achieve your goal in golf (get the ball within 10 feet of the hole on your approach, and the closer the better), but he explains in common-sense terms WHY it is so important to do so (your likelihood of making the putt goes up GREATLY the closer you get to the hole). What's more, those common-sense lessons and reasons are solidly grounded in physics. Pelz was a physicist with NASA before the golf virus (my term) overcame him. And, as he is fond of pointing out, nothing in this book comes from the golfing equivalent of old wives' tales...it's grounded in scientific research, usually along the order of data collected from several thousand repetitions of the various techniques.

In short, he's done the hard work, he's got the results to show for it, and he's set forth his principles in a way that is nearly impossible to argue. I've been thoroughly pleased by how his instructions have helped me improve my scores and, subsequently, my confidence in the game. Having a steady short game on which to fall back gives you the ability to be more aggresive on your approach shots, leading to greater birdie opportunities. His putting bible is a fitting companion to this work, and both should be on the shelf of any serious golfer. Or better yet, they should be taken to the practice range--these are books meant for serious work, not pleasure reading.

Dave is the invincible Imam of golf!! I thoroughly enjoy his books and articles. I'm in the process of getting this book for several of my friend's birthdays. If you drive like a champ but chip like a chump!!!(say that 5 times really fast) Than this book will help you.

I was struggling with my short game. Pitch over the green, followed by another pitch over the green and maybe even a third for good measure. I was so frustrated I decided I had to do something. I sat down and started reading this book. The next day I golfed and my pitching improved dramatically. Simple instruction on stance, swing and grip helped tremendously. It is the first and only thing I have found to be a quick fix in over ten years of playing this maddening sport. If your pitching game is already good maybe you don't need this but if your drives you crazy like mine did, get this and read it.

Easy to read book, system works without a dought if you commit to doing it. I usually have a makeable putt from shots from inside 100 yards. I had 2 rounds in the 60's in 25 years of playing the game prior to reading this book, last summer had 5 rounds in the 60's after reading the book. If you can't spend $400 on his 3 day clinic this is a great alternative. My scores have dropped by 3-5 strokes avg.

Easy to read book, system works without a dought if you commit to doing it. I usually have a makeable putt from shots from inside 100 yards. I had 2 rounds in the 60's in 25 years of playing the game prior to reading this book, last summer had 5 rounds in the 60's after reading the book. If you can't spend $400 on his 3 day clinic this is a great alternative. My scores have dropped by 3-5 strokes avg.

Dave Pelz is a scientist, and scientists believe in data. Dave Pelz has the data. He has proven that the short game is the key to scoring, and he has developed a method, simple, understandable and, most of all, doable, that will improve any golfer's short game. In a way, it's so simple that it's obvious, but it's said that the ability to answer simple questions in a new way is the mark of genius. The same easy swing, with three different differences on the back swing, applied to each of four wedges will give 12 predictable distances. Why didn't I think of it? This afternoon, I found myself 26 yards from the pin, placed on an elevated green. I now know that a 7:30 shot with my lob wedge goes 25-30 yards. I hit it four feet from the pin and saved my par.

The reviewers who say that the system requires a place to practice are of course correct, but this is hardly a legitimate criticism. Any new technique in any profession or sport needs to be practiced. I go the High School baseball field in the evening. It's deserted, and with my range finder and a bucket of balls, I've been able to figure out the distances I hit my various wedges. What a difference. Thank you, Dave Pelz!

Well written. Dave does a great job of breaking the short game into the basic elements and explaining there execution.

Well written. Dave does a great job of breaking the short game into the basic elements and explaining there execution.

This book is full of self-congratulatory remarks, name dropping, and product promotion. There is some good information in the book but you will need to look hard for it. Overall I would estimate about 50 out of the 426 pages are useful (about 20%). That's why I gave it one star.

This book is full of self-congratulatory remarks, name dropping, and product promotion. There is some good information in the book but you will need to look hard for it. Overall I would estimate about 50 out of the 426 pages are useful (about 20%). That's why I gave it one star.

If you wonna know what happens during a short game stroke.
Learn about Grain, different grasses, strokes etc. it is the book
to buy. If you have your own privat back yard short game facilitity
buy the book you can put everything Pelz teaches into practice and
become a fantastic short game player. If you are a recreational golfer
with less than perfect practice facilities it's a nice book to read but
doesn't help you to much. Pelz teaching is based on the possibility to
be able to messure each short game stroke from 1-100 yards to the flag.
On a driving range it's impossible to measure that exactly and on a short
game green they don't let you pitch from more than 20-30 yards away.
As I said a great concept - but difficult to put into practice.

If you wonna know what happens during a short game stroke.
Learn about Grain, different grasses, strokes etc. it is the book
to buy. If you have your own privat back yard short game facilitity
buy the book you can put everything Pelz teaches into practice and
become a fantastic short game player. If you are a recreational golfer
with less than perfect practice facilities it's a nice book to read but
doesn't help you to much. Pelz teaching is based on the possibility to
be able to messure each short game stroke from 1-100 yards to the flag.
On a driving range it's impossible to measure that exactly and on a short
game green they don't let you pitch from more than 20-30 yards away.
As I said a great concept - but difficult to put into practice.

Dave Pelz presents an empirically derived system to improve the short game. It is clearly explained and is logically sound. After practicing his system for several hours, I am contacting the ball more consistently in the short game. I am sure it will take many more hours of practice to see the improvement I hope to see in my short game.

This and Tour Tempo are probably all I will ever need. I might add the putting bible.

First the truth. No, you will never do all of the drills. Unless you have unlimited time. However, if you do as much as you can your game will change. I will guarantee that. By the book, buy into the philosophy and go to it. You will be glad you did.

This and Tour Tempo are probably all I will ever need. I might add the putting bible.

First the truth. No, you will never do all of the drills. Unless you have unlimited time. However, if you do as much as you can your game will change. I will guarantee that. By the book, buy into the philosophy and go to it. You will be glad you did.

This is one good book. I missed a hole in one by inches on a Par 3 180 yd. When you apply the principles of this book, you can definetly aim at the Pin with good results. My wedges have improved 200% and it definetly lowered my score by 3-5 strokes.

Great book. I am a former 5 handicapper who has lost his way and touch, and Pelz is helping find the tools to regain skill level

Great book. I am a former 5 handicapper who has lost his way and touch, and Pelz is helping find the tools to regain skill level

Pelz does an in-depth analysis of the flaws of the short game of hundreds of amateur and professional golfers,studies thousands of golf shots, then provides easy to follow solutions for each situation. His methods work ! His background as an engineer gives credence to his conclusions. You may find his analyses a bit weighty, but you can skip right to his solutions if you choose to.

An essential book to read if you are struggling with your short game.

This book gave me the tools I needed to lower my scores. I have been playing golf for 30 years and have never uderstood how to controll shots from 20 to 60 yards. I save at least 3 shots a round using ideas from the book. I went from a 12 handicap to an 8 and I have only read half the book.

Dave Pelz made a name for himself by being one of the first to scientifically study the game. Starting out with simple statistics, his search for what made the great ones great led to him to realize that the key factor was not just in how well they hit the ball, or even how they did once on the green. The big determining factor was how close they could get the ball to the hole with their approach, most importantly from less than a full club's distance.

This book contains most, if not all his conclusions. It also (perhaps more importantly) offers the ways he developed with tour players and amateurs alike to produce repeatable results that don't mysteriously vanish when you walk off the practice tee.

The simplicity of his methods is probably the place most people will find fault with his book. "It can't be that easy." In truth, although the proceedures described for every kind of wedge shot are painfully simple, one thing comes out loud and clear: you must practice the motions over and over and over again. This is the hard part, the bit written between the lines.

I enjoyed reading Pelz's book if for any other reason than it appealed to the scientist in me. I love seeing the reasons for why something happens layed out for me. I also found that many of Pelz's observations were ones I had myself had at one point, but hadn't attached too much to them. Looking back now, I feel more vilified than anything in knowing that I was right at one point (but lost it, as is the pattern with golf).

If you hate statistical studies, long explanations, and simple golf instruction, steer clear. This is not for you. If you revel in any of it, take a look. It can't hurt.

Starts off some analytical data with why the short game helps your score more than the full shots. Then goes into the fundementals like ball position and each type of short game shorts: distance wedges (30-100yd), pitch (<30y), chip (green side), sand.

One thing this book can't help you is HOW to make that swing. You have to have a reasonably solid/consistent swing to take advantage of the concepts in the book. It talks about making a synchronized swing but that means different things to different people, so the best way to hone your execution is to go see a pro. The sequenced photos are great but we don't always swing the way we think we do.

The best idea of the book though, which help my short and full shot game, has to do with the stabiliby of the clubhead (pulling a cart vs. pushing). It explains why the Pros are more consistent even on their misses. Given the same club head speed, a stable club head will be more accurate (i.e. longer) on average. I'm an enginerd so I dig all these analytical stuff.

Anyway, a solid book with great ideas.

This book sequentially breaks down golf from the viewpoint of a former NASA physicist with a penchant for converting scores of data from a variety of pros into a concise and understandable book for everyone from a layperson to a professional. His charts, graphs, and images outline a consistent theme throught the book that focuses on where golfers use the most strokes (within 100 yards + putting) and where they practice the most strokes (drives and long irons). A must-read for every golfer, especially those that cannot break a plateau score (such as 100, 90, etc...). Reading this book and practicing its dogma, I permanently removed 8 strokes off of my handicap and now shoot consistently between 78-82 from the whites.

This book sequentially breaks down golf from the viewpoint of a former NASA physicist with a penchant for converting scores of data from a variety of pros into a concise and understandable book for everyone from a layperson to a professional. His charts, graphs, and images outline a consistent theme throught the book that focuses on where golfers use the most strokes (within 100 yards + putting) and where they practice the most strokes (drives and long irons). A must-read for every golfer, especially those that cannot break a plateau score (such as 100, 90, etc...). Reading this book and practicing its dogma, I permanently removed 8 strokes off of my handicap and now shoot consistently between 78-82 from the whites.

I bought this after looking at it several times in the bookstores. I have always carried a pw, sw and occassionally a lw. I was a pretty good wedge player but didn't always get it close to the hole or stop it. After reading the book, I went to 4 wedges, adding a gap wedge. I practiced the system and last week I was 70 yards out on a par four. I knew that would be a 10:30 gap wedge. It took one bounce and in the hole. It is really neat when this stuff works. You learn how far a chip will run based upon the club and the swing. I was struggling in the sand and the very first swing I took after reading the sand chapter was 5 feet from the pin. Most of the people I play with including some scratch players could use the information in this book. I also had the Putt Like a Pro book and I am automatic from 7 feet in now. It is kind of expensive but you will make that back with the first few bets you win. Now when you play you can see how bad the short game of the other players really is. Actually I hope none of my opponents read this book. I like taking their money.

I bought this after looking at it several times in the bookstores. I have always carried a pw, sw and occassionally a lw. I was a pretty good wedge player but didn't always get it close to the hole or stop it. After reading the book, I went to 4 wedges, adding a gap wedge. I practiced the system and last week I was 70 yards out on a par four. I knew that would be a 10:30 gap wedge. It took one bounce and in the hole. It is really neat when this stuff works. You learn how far a chip will run based upon the club and the swing. I was struggling in the sand and the very first swing I took after reading the sand chapter was 5 feet from the pin. Most of the people I play with including some scratch players could use the information in this book. I also had the Putt Like a Pro book and I am automatic from 7 feet in now. It is kind of expensive but you will make that back with the first few bets you win. Now when you play you can see how bad the short game of the other players really is. Actually I hope none of my opponents read this book. I like taking their money.

The Good:

Peltz introduces a smart and easy system of getting to know 3 distinct (or 6 if you include swings where you are gripping down on the shaft) shooting distances for each wedge in you bag. The system is very useful and gives reproducible results on the course, so the book definitely does gives you an edge training wise. I also liked how he by "scientific" analysis found out how to score better and why the short game is so important (and under rated) - very convincing. I found myself measuring off different wedge shots, putting labels with numbers on the shafts of my wedges (and having fun at it) immediately after reading the book.

The bad:

The book itself is however a terrible read. Peltz stated that he had read a book on learning theory at some stage, but I really wished that he had read a book about communication theory before writing this book. He repeats himself over and over and over and... it gets to a point where it is just not any kind of fun. Even some of the illustrations are repeated at least three times in the book. You constantly go either 'I got it I got it I got it - snap out of it!' or you go 'come on Peltz, get to the f..... point'. He also includes long and detailed annecdotes about how he and his tour friends discovered the facts that he now teaches in the book. This might be great if you are into the semi historical perspectives sitting in front of the fireplace with hot chocolate, but if you buy this book as a reference for improving your short game it just distracts you from the essence.
Another thing annoying me is how he sneaks in this feeling of "Trademark-of-Dave-Peltz-golf-school" all the time. F.ex. your swing plane and grip now becomes the "finesse swing plane" and the "finesse grip" for your "finesse swing" as if he invented the concepts of an upright swingplane and a loose grip for the short game.
The teaching of the mechanics of the short game swing was not very clear (at least for me they weren't). I had hoped for something along the lines of "Ben Hogan's five lessons" where you can feel the words in your body right there from the sofa. The pictures are inconsistent with what is being said. F.ex. he writes 'arms, hips and shoulders move back synchronized - no coiling takes place between shoulders and hip in the finesse swing' and the picture shows a 45 degrees hip turn with a 90 degrees shoulder turn :(
The description of the chip shot is also very weak. I now know where to place the ball, but what to do with the arms relative to hips and shoulders is still not clear.

To conclude:

The book will make you focus more on your short game and most likely result in lower scores if you practice was is being said, but the lessons does not justify a whopping 400 pages - not at all! Also the reading experience is very cumbersome.
The 3 stars reflects the fact that you do get some very useful knowledge from reading the book but also that after going through 400 pages of agonizing repetitions there are still some very fundamental issues about the mechanics that are not completely clear.

This is a good book for the short game. Dave Pelz has a good analytical mind. There are good hints on chipping, pitching and putting from all kinds of yardages and surfaces. If you really want a great book on the entire game of golf, including the short game, I highly recommend the following:
The Ultimate Golf Instruction Guide: Key Techniques for Becoming a Zero Handicap Golfer or Better (ISBN: 1933023090)
This last book is right on the money for both the long and short game of golf. It helped me to get my scores in the seventies, which I never achieved before.
I recommend Pelz's book because it showed me the different kinds of short shots. However, the second book helped me to improve so much faster than anything else I tried on the market.

This is a good book for the short game. Dave Pelz has a good analytical mind. There are good hints on chipping, pitching and putting from all kinds of yardages and surfaces. If you really want a great book on the entire game of golf, including the short game, I highly recommend the following:
The Ultimate Golf Instruction Guide: Key Techniques for Becoming a Zero Handicap Golfer or Better (ISBN: 1933023090)
This last book is right on the money for both the long and short game of golf. It helped me to get my scores in the seventies, which I never achieved before.
I recommend Pelz's book because it showed me the different kinds of short shots. However, the second book helped me to improve so much faster than anything else I tried on the market.

I am a high-handicapper. This book really changed the way I look at the game, and I'm out besting my friends now.

The evidence in the first few chapters is enlightening demonstrating that the game of golf is really 3 games: the long game, the short game, and putting. The money winners are those golfers with the best short game. This book covers the short game (obviously).

The evidence uncovers that, while the long game is a question of timing the swing to aim left to right, the short games is accurate left to right and requires accurate short distance swings.

Pelz then goes on to lay out a system whereby one measures their average distance at full, half, and quarter swings for several wedge clubs. This provides a matrix of distance selection when faced with a short shot.

I found immediately implementation of the system to be easy and fun. I measured distances for chips from the edge of the green with a variety of clubs. Now I prefer a 10-foot chip to a putt from the edge and can control the ball much better.

I am a high-handicapper. This book really changed the way I look at the game, and I'm out besting my friends now.

The evidence in the first few chapters is enlightening demonstrating that the game of golf is really 3 games: the long game, the short game, and putting. The money winners are those golfers with the best short game. This book covers the short game (obviously).

The evidence uncovers that, while the long game is a question of timing the swing to aim left to right, the short games is accurate left to right and requires accurate short distance swings.

Pelz then goes on to lay out a system whereby one measures their average distance at full, half, and quarter swings for several wedge clubs. This provides a matrix of distance selection when faced with a short shot.

I found immediately implementation of the system to be easy and fun. I measured distances for chips from the edge of the green with a variety of clubs. Now I prefer a 10-foot chip to a putt from the edge and can control the ball much better.

THIS book is quite loaded with instructions/tips for all sorts of different short game situations, but at the same time it does not lose its coherence all the way through. It will help you understand how to look at the game and how to lower your score. Very well-written, indeed.
For me, this book was exceptionally helpful 'cause I had been rather a ball-striker-type of player in the past. (If you are, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!) I've taken finesse shots a lot more seriously after I got the book, and it gives me joy in an entirely different dimension. After some practicing with the book, you will start to notice that you are one-putting quite more often than before. And of course.. your score is dropping rapidly!

Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible can be intimidating at first glance. It's somewhat techinical with alot of pages. People who want to understand the science behing short game shots will really appreciate this book. In addition to thoroughly explaining the various shots, Pelz provides convincing data to support his short game concepts. To implement his 'system' you'll need a lot of time and access to good practice facilities (or at least an open field). Since implement Pelz's '3x4' system, I've significantly improved my shots from within 70 yards. It's amazing how many times I've heard people say 'Nice Shot!' after one of my distance wedge shoots. I've had a little more difficulty incorporating Pelz's chipping method...though I should note I haven't put as much time into it! Overall this is a great golf book for people with the time and effort to read through it and practice.